Ramblings of an Emergency Physician in Texas

Archives for March 16, 2009

Wonder no more. A G induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) happens when the brain stops getting oxygen due to an inability of the cardiovascular system to pump blood against the force of several gravities.

Fighter planes pulling G’s can cause it, and our pilots are trained (and equipped) to try and avoid the blackout. Civilian riders don’t do as well at 7 G’s.

Enter our intrepid reporter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, getting to ride backseat in a Blue Angels F-18. Good video of his blackouts, and he comes across as a fun guy.